What is Umrah?
Umrah is a non-mandatory pilgrimage to the holy city of Makkah (Mecca), which can be performed at any time of the year (unlike Hajj, which has specific dates). It consists of a set of religious rituals performed in and around the Masjid al-Haram (Sacred Mosque).
Though not obligatory like Hajj, Umrah is highly recommended (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) and carries great rewards.
Before You Begin: Preparation Checklist
1. Niyyah (Intention)
(a) Purify your intention solely for Allah.
(b) Learn the procedure of Umrah in detail.
(c) Repent sincerely for past sins.
2. Requirements
(a) Valid passport.
(b) Umrah visa (or tourist visa if applicable).
(c) Confirmed travel bookings (flight, accommodation, transport).
(d) Mahram for women (as per current Saudi rules unless otherwise stated).
(e) Proof of vaccinations (e.g. Meningitis, COVID-19).
3. Spiritual Preparation
(a) Increase in prayers, dhikr, fasting, and charity.
(b) Learn important duas and surahs.
(c) Settle any debts and seek forgiveness from others.
Ihram: Entering the State of Sanctity
Where?(a) For men and women, you must enter the state of Ihram at or before reaching the Miqat (designated boundary).
For Men:(a) Two white, unstitched cloths: one for the lower and one for the upper body.
(b) No sewn garments, underwear, or covered head.
For Women:(a) Normal modest Islamic dress.
(b) Face should remain uncovered (no niqab) in Ihram; hands can be uncovered too.
Intention (Niyyah):
At Miqat, make the intention for Umrah:
Talbiyah:"Labbayka ‘Umrah" – "O Allah, I respond to Your call to perform Umrah."
Recite frequently:
Steps of Performing Umrah"Labbayka Allahumma labbayk, labbayka laa sharika laka labbayk, innal-hamda wan-ni’mata laka wal-mulk, laa sharika lak."
There are 4 primary rituals in Umrah:
1. Tawaf (Circumambulation of the Kaaba)
Location: Masjid al-Haram
(a) Perform 7 anti-clockwise circuits around the Kaaba, starting from the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad).
(b) For men: perform Ramal (brisk walking with chest out) in the first 3 rounds.
(c) Begin each round from the Black Stone.
(d) Recite duas or dhikr (no fixed supplication).
Between Rukn al-Yamani and Black Stone, recite:
(e) After 7 rounds, pray 2 Rak‘ahs behind Maqam Ibrahim (if possible)."Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah wa fil-akhirati hasanah wa qina ‘adhaban-nar."
(f) Drink Zamzam water.
2. Sa’i (Walking between Safa and Marwah)
Location: Inside Masjid al-Haram
(a) Walk 7 times between the hills of Safa and Marwah.
(b) Start at Safa with:
(c) Walk briskly (men only) in the green-lit area."Inna as-Safa wal-Marwata min sha’a’irillah..."
(d) End at Marwah after the 7th walk.
3. Hair Trimming or Shaving (Halq or Taqsir)
(a) For men:
(i) Shaving (Halq) is best and more rewarding.
(ii) Trimming (Taqsir) is also acceptable.
(b) For women:
(i) Clip a small portion (1–2 cm) of hair from all over.
After this, Ihram ends and you are now out of the state of Ihram.
Prohibitions During Ihram
While in Ihram, the following are prohibited:
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Etiquettes and Sunnahs of Umrah
(a) Enter the masjid with right foot saying:
(b) Lower your gaze, stay humble near the Kaaba."Bismillah, wassalatu wassalamu ‘ala Rasulillah..."
(c) Avoid selfies or distractions.
(d) Keep busy with dhikr, dua, and salah.
(e) Be patient in crowds, avoid pushing or yelling.
Important Duas During Umrah
(a) Dua for Tawaf (general): You can make personal duas.
(b) Between Rukn Yamani and Hajr Aswad:
(c) At Safa and Marwah:"Rabbana atina fid-dunya hasanah..."
Any duas you wish; face Kaaba and raise hands.
Completion of Umrah
(a) After shaving/trimming hair, your Umrah is complete.
(b) You may now wear normal clothes, and all Ihram restrictions are lifted. You are encouraged to:
(i) Pray extra Nafl prayers in the Haram.
(ii) Recite Qur'an and do Tawaf al-Nafl (voluntary tawaf).
FAQs
Q: Can I do more than one Umrah in the same trip?
Yes, but leave the Haram boundary (e.g., go to Masjid Aisha) and re-enter in Ihram.
Q: How long does Umrah take?
Typically 3 to 6 hours, depending on the crowd and your pace.
Q: Is Umrah accepted without a mahram for women?
Check current Saudi rules—some exceptions apply for certain nationalities.
Rewards of Umrah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"The performance of Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one." — [Bukhari & Muslim]
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